Art ! Music ! Dance ! It has it all.
If I were to pick a selection to watch over and over again, even perhaps have a copy of it in my permanent DVD collection this would be it! It’s one of those times where I had completely no idea what to expect and when you do see it, you just fall in love with it. Self-expression, exploration and discovering how crazily creative things can get is what lies within and if this doesn’t get your creativity juices flowing i’m not sure what will!
The first and a personal favourite of this collection is a stop-motion animation called The Maker (6 minutes) by Christopher Kezelos, an Australian production where a creature resembling a rabbit with human teeth and attire has to create a new version of himself before time lapses through an hour glass. Everything about this short is so visually appealing, the design, the colour and to top it all the amazing background score. It really makes you think hard about what the deeper meaning of the story really is? Is it a form of self-renewal or a circle of life, the way with which individuals produce, teach and bring up their off-springs to be self-sufficient in case they are no longer around.
Another topper on my list is the very gripping short from Poland, Heaven(15 minutes) by Jan Matuszynski, a story about a man called Robert, battling a fatal disease who chooses to devote his time towards painting religious art. Most of the short is shot studying Robert’s face and the detail and precision with which he draws his paintings. Without the help of dialogue, and with the addition of another fantastic music score we study Robert’s devotion, his renewed focus and the amazing connection with the creative element within himself. You sympathize the fact that he is ill but somehow you don’t feel sorry for him because he doesn’t allow you to, in fact there is something within the story that energizes and excites you. The completely uninhibited peace and solace that Robert finds through his art is inspirational. This should garner positivity and motivation amongst most of us to do what we love doing remembering never to give up.
Speaking of beautiful music scores the list would not be complete without Thibaut Duverneix’s Gravity of Center (14 minutes) where we join a dance troupe as they express themselves individually and within a group dynamic in some of the most scenic locations. The short is a stunning display of choreography and cinematography that lets you literally get carried away with the movement, it absorbs you. I felt like had a new found appreciation for dance. Try doing a couple of push-ups before you see this short so you can truly applaud the performances in it.
Graeme Joyce’s Life Tripper (14 minutes) is the story of Stan, a single father trying to raise a child while he works as a mechanic but his true potential is yet to be realized. Rob Benedict delivers a very powerful performance as Stan who tries to entertains his fellow passengers on the bus daily on his way to work when one day he meets someone who tell him that he could be doing stand-up comedy. This story is sad yet hopeful as we journey with the lead character on his way to his artistic and personal self-discovery.
This review will not be complete without mentioning Samanou Sahlstrom’s Withering Love (29 minutes) where Maria who meets a writer named Vincent and then sees him commit suicide right in front of her eyes. She instantly becomes attached to the situation and it leads her on to take up the task of finding Vincent’s long lost love. The story is intensive and thoughtful with a real twist at the end. Watch it to find out!
Love films? Love all form of art? Do not miss out on this highly recommended selection at this year’s festival. It screens again on Friday, June 8 4:30PM at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.
By: Myra Rehman
T: @myrawales F: www.facebook.com/myrarehman
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